Quintessential Pennsylvania

  SCENERY HILL - Historic village along US 40 in Washington County.  The community was originally known as Hillsborough until 1867.  Hillsborough was named after Robert Hill.  His family ran Hill's Tavern, which later became the Century Inn. How To Get There:

  SWEDEN VALLEY - Founded 1807. Named by early settlers from Sweden. The Coudersport Ice Mine is located in the vicinity of Sweden Valley. How to Get There:

SUMMERVILLE - Founded 1812. Named for founder Summers Baldwin. Located in Jefferson County, the original name for Summerville was Troy, which is also the name of a community in northern Pennsylvania. How to Get There: Sources and Links: Summerville Public Library - Summerville Story Project

  SABINSVILLE - Founded 1849. Named for Alonzo G. Sabin, pioneer settler. Sabinsville is located in Clymer Township in northern Pennsylvania's Tioga County. How to Get There:

  SEVEN VALLEYS - Founded 1892. Named for the Siebenthal or "Seven Valleys" with in view of borough. The Seven Valleys basin was originally settled by forty families of the German Lutheran and Reformed faiths from the Rhineland Palatinate of Germany, arriving in the Codorus Valley of southern Pennsylvania in the early fall of 1738. The lush meadows and gently rolling hills here reminded them of their homeland. The German settlers maintained the Pfalzer dialect of the German language for nearly 150 years after immigrating to Pennsylvania. However, with the coming of the railroad in 1838, the use of the English language gradually crept into the culture and by the end of the Civil War the use of German slowly began fading into the background. During its prime, Seven Valleys was known for the manufacture of cigars and ice cream. Iron ore was also discovered in Seven Valleys, causing a wave of prosperity for the people of the Codorus Valley. It also was a large railroad shipping p...

  SPRING RUN - Founded 1764. Named for a nearby mountain stream. Spring Run is located in Fannett Township in Franklin County. How To Get There:

In Northern Westmoreland County, there is a little known - and little traveled - bridge over the Kiskiminetas River that connects the village of Salina on the Westmoreland County side with the village of Edmon on the Armstrong County side.  The Salina Bridge, built in 1906, is one of the oldest standing bridges of its style in the state. The nearly 700 foot long Parker through truss bridge saw a major rehabilitation in 1978.  However, continued deterioration has led to a 10 ton weight limit and the state is currently debating on whether to repair or replace the bridge . Salina was a company town of the Kier Firebrick Company.  Most of the homes were built at the start of the 20th century.  The Kier Firebrick company would eventually become the General Refractories Company.  The former plant sat on the Salina side of the bridge.  The plant was eventually demolished and all that remains is a concrete pad. All photos taken by post author - D...

SHORTSVILLE - Founded 1840.  Named for the Short Family who were early pioneers in the area. Photo taken by Doug Kerr.

SHOHOLA - Founded 1772.  Named for Shohola Creek Indian Tribe.  Shohola is from the Lenni Lenape Native American language meaning " Place of Peace ".  Shohola is located along the Delaware River.  The nearby Shohola Falls along Shohola Creek is a popular hiking and photography destination. Shohla Falls is located about nine miles south of Shohola just off of US 6.  The falls which are located along Shohola Creek just north of Shohola Marsh Reservoir are easily accessible via a 0.8 mile loop trail.  The main cascade of Shohola Falls is about 70-75 feet wide and about 50 feet tall. It is best advised to exercise caution along the ledges  as they can be extremely dangerous especially in winter due to icing. Photos taken by Doug Kerr. Further Reading:   Shohola Falls @ UncoveringPA.com Getting There:

West of Addison, US 40 crosses the Youghiogheny River at what once was the town of Somerfield.  When crossing the current modern two lane bridge, you many not realize that it is actually the third to cross the Yough at this site.  The first - a stone arch bridge - was known as the Great Crossings Bridge.  Built in 1818, this three arch bridge was part of the original National Road.  The name Great Crossings comes from the men who forded the Youghiogheny here - George Washington and George Braddock. (1)  If you cross the bridge at the right time, this historic bridge and what was once the town of Somerfield will appear out from underneath this massive man-made lake. Historical Postcard showing the 'Big Crossings' bridge and Somerfield.  Image submitted by Vince Ferrari. The Great Crossings Bridge was located in the town of Somerfield.  Somerfield, originally named Smythfield until 1827, would develop as a result of the National Road. (1...